Ultralife, Accutronics & SWE Blog

Batteries for Hotel & Lodging Smoke Alarms

Written by Rob Brown | 13-Dec-2018 13:49:00

Hotel Smoke AlarmIn the United States, the Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act of 1990 states that it is a legal requirement for hotels and motels to have ‘hard-wired, single-station smoke detectors in each guestroom in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 72’.

Research conducted by the NFPA between 2014 and 2018 showed that 18% of battery-powered smoke alarms failed to operate, most commonly due to power source issues.  Therefore, it is essential to choose a reliable, long lasting battery.

Then and Now 9V 2

 

Although it may seem like rechargeable (secondary) cells fit the bill, many fire alarm manufacturers do not recommend using them, as they lose charge more rapidly than non-rechargeable (primary) ones.  Therefore, Ultralife have been manufacturing long lasting primary 9V batteries for smoke detectors for over 20 years; 15 years ago becoming a leader in the field with the introduction of Thin Cell® technology.  Three individual thin foil-cased cells allowed the 9V to achieve a capacity of 1200mAh; 50% more than leading brand-named lithium competitors.

Lithium 9V

Our flagship smoke alarm battery, the Lithium 9V, also performs well under varying temperatures with an effective 900 Ohm discharge rate from -40°C to +60°C.  Additionally, an internal shutdown separator closes the pores of the battery if internal temperature elevates too quickly.  As this battery can produce higher pulse and continuous current, a polymer positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) has been added to further increase safety.

9V Battery for Hotel and Lodging 2 Part Number: U9VL-J-P
Voltage (Nominal): 9V
Capacity (Nominal): 1.2 Ah
Certifications: UN 38.3, UL 2054, UL 217,
IEC 60086-4:2014
Dimensions: 48.5mm x 26.5mm
Weight: 37g
Operating Temperature:   -20 to +60°C
Storage Temperature: -40 to +60°C

Are you a hotelier looking to replace an existing 9V battery?

Ultralife's Lithium option is ideal as it’s the same size as a standard alkaline battery, making it consumer-replaceable.  Furthermore, it lasts up to 5 times longer than ordinary alkaline 9V, and as such will not need to be replaced as often, saving both time and money.

Are you a manufacturer of smoke alarms for hotels?

The battery service/shelf life of up to 10 years is ideal for incorporation into premium lines of 10-year ionization-type alarms.

Summary

Protecting your hotel and motel guests with the installation of a smoke detector is a legal requirement in the United States.  Manufacturers of fire alarms do not recommend using rechargeable batteries due to a shorter service life than non-rechargeable alternatives.  Ultralife offer 9V batteries with high capacity, and which operate in wide temperature ranges.  With over 30 years' experience, you can be assured of the highest quality product.